Ugly Side of Cosplay + Conventions

[@TheMidnightSerenade]

First con the sexual harrasment happened to me. I went to acen and dressed as cerabella from skullgirls. A vender kept hitting on me and then openly told me he was staring at mt breasts though his wife was on the other end of the super long table. Con harrasment isnt cool and cosplay is not consent.

[@FanServiceRenji]

Annnnnd his wife was there??? What a creep.

[@Kyoko__]

Sadly the community became really toxic. Even I quit for some time because I lost the fun because it wasn't about loving a character/series and get to know new people who also love the character. It became hard to make new friends. I just stuck to my old folks who became quite popular cosplayers. Then it got even harder on small events because people who were seen with popular cosplayers were labeled also elitist or arrogant... I'm glad a nice cosplayer started a workshop-event monthly for new and old cosplayers to gather in our town. Friendships and helping each other out with cosplay is back for me. But still visiting conventions can have a slighty not so nice vibes sometime. Especially the nitpicking. I cosplayed from a series I love and noone was casually talking to me. Even greeting girls who cosplayed the same character got me an awkward 'hi' back. I think since I sewed my uniform and it wasn't as goodlooking as the others who normally buy it, it got me the nitpicking look. But my prop was very good and the only one in the right size (big) so they couldn't completely look down on me. Very uncomfortable.

[@TheJemTeam]

I've gone to a few of the cons in my state over the years and I've had the same problem, sometimes just walking around the con, but mostly in the Costume Contest. I've cosplayed a different version of Hatsune Miku every year and I make the costume myself every time, but the only people who win come form popular series or are young cosplayers who A. never made their costume or B. made their costume, but it looked like it was very poorly made. The second one would be fine if it wasn't for the fact that people who clearly were in the same tier level lose because their character is not form a popular series. The worst part of it all is that at the con I attended most recently, a cosplayer won an award for a costume she already entered with at another con (and won with it), which is explicitly against the rules, but she still won because her character was popular.

[@ellissseven7134]

Kyoko [CᴏsᴍᴏCᴀᴛKʏᴏᴋᴏ]. That's a god damn shame. I'm not a cosplayer, I'm a futuristic fashion designer that dresses up as my own character. I'm pretty new to the cosplay community, but not new to cons. If I see ANYONE pick on someone, they will have to deal with ME. I don't stand for that shit one bit, this ain't high school. This is for fun. You in need a body guard?? Let's be friends!

[@t3ras74]

Meeting creepers at a con is something that happened to me only one time and a half. A half because I'm not sure the guy was a creep or not. The first time ("a half") was when I met this photographer who took pictures of me and asked me to do weird poses and make weird faces. He asked me to go against a wall and make very animalistic poses and expressions. It was weird. The second time it was when this man in his 40s asked me which character I was cosplaying and then asked me if said character would get naked (so basically if I would). That time I was a actually wearing a "revealing" cosplay tho, so idk.

[@hita_bae]

Worst thing that happened at a con to me was actually pretty recent. I was cosplaying Tsuyu at matsuricon, it was night so the drunks were making their way down the floor. I decided not to drink that day because I had a stomach ache. I had just gotten back to the con floor after getting food so I was alone and going to meet my friends, well this (very drunk) guy came up to me and asked for my photo. I posed in the photo, thanked him and excused myself saying I needed to find my friends. I then noticed that he started to follow me, it weirded me out but I didn't want to be rude so I turned to ask if he wanted anything else. Before I could speak he reached up grabbed the back of my head and proceeded to shove his tongue down my throat. When I stopped being stunned I tried to pull away but he held me in place, when I tried to push away from him he held even tighter. He quickly reached his hand under my skit grabbed my ass and then left. I was really shocked and honestly pretty scared at that point. Honestly I would have just left the con at that moment if another guy hadn't walked up to me and offered to be my body guard until I found my friends. I could tell the guy was still following me around and I reported him to con staff but I still saw him all that night and the next day. Other things have happened to me but that was the worst mainly because of how he stalked me and assaulted me. One of the reasons I hate cosplaying females. Makes me feel good but to many guys try to molest me

[@FanServiceRenji]

Im so sorry you had to endure that. That's beyond awful. Really dissaponited that the con did nothing about the guy after he was reported. Even thought he con has passed I would write a follow up to the con higer ups. Sometimes when you talk to a lower level staff member they don't know what to do and just pretend like they never heard you. The damage has done but at least you maybe able to prevent this from happening to someone else. Wow I still can't believe staff just let him slide. As a con goer you should not be filling scared to walk around inside the convention. Again I'm sorry.

[@EdenAnarchy]

I have been doing cons for 13 years & I have seen a DRASTIC difference in the way some attendees behave. It's like they check all human decency & common sense at the door! I'm super picky about the costumes I make because of harassment. The last thing I want to do is ask friends for bail money because someone harassed me & I beat them senseless...

[@coleen9278]

Good thing I haven't encountered those kind of people yet. Recently, I've been super cautious because someone here in my country got raped when a "photographer" wanted a private shoot but raped the cosplayer instead.

[@jef12660]

Great video. Great advice. Cosplay bullying is a serious problem. Its sad when all someone has to do is say something to ruin another person to the point they stop cosplay completely

[@raccoonophile4514]

lol I'm going to my first con in a few weeks so I'm so nervous

[@FanServiceRenji]

Oh no! Wrong video to watch before your first con...lol You'll be alright!

[@raccoonophile4514]

Yeah probably haha and I'm cosplaying as a really sexualized character and I'm very much a minor but don't look like one so I'm ready to be extremely antisocial and stay in the middle of the group lmfao

[@raccoonophile4514]

Lol thanks for the ideas I didn't think to bring normal clothes but I totally will now !

[@Cosanplayprops]

Agree 100%, the community is in need of a change. I would also like to point out. Other cosplayers need not be rude, just because I look in your direction doesn't mean I thinking anything, a lot of women cosplayers automatically assume where looking at there butts and boobs and in most cases where looking at the costume, I get excited when I see really great work done on a cosplay. I've been cosplaying for 8 years now and it seems to me it's gotten worse over the years. I thought this was a place where I can finally belong, be a part of something meet interesting people who like the same things I do, but sadly in the 8 years I haven't found this to be true. I am so fearful at conventions if I might offin someone by looking or making eye contact that I go into a bottle up mode where I act shy or look pissed off witch draws people away. I'm 35 and it shouldn't be this hard to meet people on your same level. For new cosplayers I say good luck hope for the best. Renji awesome video's man.

[@hekation.ioannis993]

There's a good reason I rarely drink at cons...

[@divotslice]

The community became toxic as soon as reality tv shined a light on what we all did as a hobby. There is still a lot of good out there and a lot of pioneers who are always willing to help others in the community but as I said everything went to shit as soon as "Heroes of cosplay" , cosplay modeling, and 3D printers started popping up. It became less about let's use the anime and Manga as source material and let's render this and paint it and I'm done in 10.5 seconds and everyone else is a peasant because they hand sewn their stuff and it's literally held together with hot glue and a prayer.

[@Muse041]

Man I was expecting something funny but this was too real But as you said, we gotta talk about this stuff, so sorry you got drugged, I'm glad you're strong enough to keep going to cons tho!!

[@shelleg.8313]

I've never been to a con rave...but mostly due to my local anime con stopped having them because they became an issue between the attendees and staff. Especially when some chick od on ecstasy and when the first responders tried to take her she didn't want to leave and fought them. Plus a few issues when one of my bf friends almost got hurt when one of the staff members pushed him while he was in the middle of a head stand. I worked a few years as a staff member and note that some of the staff act like that.

[@starcheathamsc]

Sadly all true facts

[@olipop7238]

The best video you've ever made.

[@maskedfoxx7173]

Teddyloid once was a special DJ guest at my con's rave so of course I broke out the MeMe-chan cosplay for that one. A guy kept telling me I was a great dancer (I was literally just jumping) and saying how amazing my cosplay was. It was clear as day what he was after and I was and still am taken so I always responded with a quick thanks and turned back to the stage. He asks at some point if we can dance and obviously I say no. Maybe 30 seconds later I start feeling him bump into me a little bit. I try to give him credit that it's crowded which was a huge mistake. I think he was testing my reaction or something because when I didn't stop him he quickly starts grinding on my ass. Oh Lord did I stop that fast. Instantly stop jumping, instantly turn around and give him a very firm push back. Thank God he backed off after that, but seriously, I fucking said no.

[@aringuishard9234]

+FanService Renji Hey dude! Just want to start off with stating I think you're a really cool dude and I love your videos. As another 'Ethnic Cosplayer' I appreciate what you do! I was actually hoping for some advice from you in terms of the racism issue in convention spaces? I watched your video on it a week ago, and I myself frequent a con in which this hasn't become an issue (Thank Kamisama-mc- weeb deity) but I was hoping you could give me some additional advice if or when I may come across this issue? I was thinking of cosplaying an Afro-version of my favorite character Natsu Dragneel who I really appreciate and admire, but I don't really know how to go about handling the negative feedback that may come from it?

[@VegetaMade]

Arin Guishard aaaye that would be super awesome! I think you should do it anyway, omg!

[@FanServiceRenji]

First off you shoud do it especially if its a character you truly admire. Don't let anyone take that away from you. As for the Afro-version I don't see anything wrong with it. Every cosplayer should be allowed to have their take on a character. Not everything has to be 100% accurate. Hopefully the following Final Fantasy VII cosplay will give you some inspiration to do your version of Natsu. They had a whole group with the same idea as you. Just check out the following link. facebook.com/Kaduout/photos/a.1505026149540975.1073741866.181718638538406/1498131516897105/?type=3&theater I saw them at Anime Expo and people loved their group this year. You're gonna get back lash no matter how good or bad a cosplay is. You just gotta own your cosplay and be proud of it. Always cosplay for Yourself first and no one else's oppinion will matter.

[@kristakemp2658]

Arin Guishard that sounds really cool! i myself am a big fan of ft and natsu is a wonderful character. screw the haters do it dude

[@LilMissBunnii]

When i was 19 i was cosplaying as wonder women and i got hit on by this creepy 70 year old the whole time he kept staring at my chest

[@Sonnenanbeterin1991]

I dont know at german conventions alchohol is forbidden strictlY.. At most cons they dont sell it anyway thats not a Problem at all Here..

[@FanServiceRenji]

Really? Almost every comic con here sells alcohol. if not in the main ballroom/dealers room then at least in the hotel lobby.

[@Sonnenanbeterin1991]

Nope was at comic con in germany this year and there was just soft Drinks like on every other convention i was so far but maby they are closing earlier??

[@StardustMegu]

Yay! This was uploaded on my birthday. I totally agree with you!

[@FanServiceRenji]

StardustMegu Happy Bday!

[@XsasunaruloveyaoiX]

These issues happen so often, I wish this shit was fixed to be honest. I hate those party rooms and I never take any open drink from anyone I don't trust. I also hit people who get pervy with their photography when it wasn't asked or wanted. Lets keep everyone safe, y'all.

[@ayanamcr.7303]

Got here early! 4 seconds after the video was posted.

[@FanServiceRenji]

Damn! you got the speed Quirk!

[@amadvegan122]

you think you're badass?one time I clicked on a video one second after it was posted.

[@FanServiceRenji]

That's badass indeed! KZbin need to start giving out badges next to peoples name for stuff like that.

[@artistic-ampharos7979]

I have a pervert story!! I was cosplaying a home stuck oc at a small meet up in my town,this meet up was just, my girlfriend, some other cosplay friends and I, and someone came by and asked for a photo, of course my soft puddle heart said yes, we posed for a photo and in it he GRABBED MY ASS! Mind you I am extremely tall so I look older then I am, but this man was like 30! And I am 14 (youngest in my cosplay group) Of vcourse after he was finished he was complimenting me saying my cosplay was pretty, and at some point he said I was hot and my flat chest didn't bother him At this moment I was uncomfortable,I gave my girlfriend a help me look and she shooed them off After that I was too scared and wanted to go somewhere else...

[@xoxolusciously_wicked]

Mmmmaannn the stalker my boyfriend and I had a Indy comic con was nuts every 5 min at first I was like oh it a coincidence but then I started him at a few panels we attended and then the next not only did he was see hi again he was wearing the shirt im dude even I changed cosplays you can change shirts

[@sereneitet1984]

Bless!

[@LeviAckerman-tn4zj]

I'm 15. am I current or next-gen cosplayer?

[@lovecookies4698]

My First Anime Con I'm going to is the one in November 17-19 in the Jacob Javits Center who else going 😊😊😊 I'm so scared its my first one

[@tay1783]

Love Cookies how was it??

[@yukismith4518]

I agree, I go to cons a lot I know I don't have to worry much about other hitting on me or stalking me, it my sister I worry for. She is cuter than me in my opinion and naturally attract creepy guys. But it also is still many backward people who find fair skin prettier. I feel racism and the sexual deviants are and probably will be the main reason I will be weary about going to cons outside my home state.